"Teenage exergamers -- people who play video games that require
physical activity -- are most likely females who are stressed
about their weight," study author Jennifer O’Loughlin of the
University of Montreal's Department of Social and Preventative
Medicine, was quoted as saying in a press release. "On average,
they play two 50 minute sessions per week. As less than 15% of
children and adolescents currently participate regularly in
physical activity, we are pleased to report that exergaming can
add to regular physical activity to attain physical activity
guidelines."

O’Loughlin and her team examined the family backgrounds and
videogame habits of 1,209 Montrealers between 14 and 19 years
old. Teenagers and their parents completed surveys that covered
subjects such as household income, drug use, body weight and
education, to help prevent the portrait of gamers from being
influenced by a particular socio-economic profile. The
questionnaire also covered what games were played, where, for how
long, with whom, and with what intensity.

Wii Sports (68 precent of exergamers), Dance Dance Revolution (40
percent), Wii Fit Yoga (34 percent), and Boxing (Punchout; 15
percent) were the most popular exergames played at home,
according to this particular study. WiiSports (26 percent) and
Dance Dance Revolution (29 percent) were played most frequently
at friends’ homes. Less than 1 percent of exergamers reported
exergaming at school.While boys and male teens are usually more
likely than females to play video games, teen gals have really
been gravitating to exergames.

"Girls might be uncomfortable exercising at school because they
feel judged and these games could be providing an alternative,"
O’Loughlin theorized. "On the other hand, there could be
something about the kind of social interaction that exergaming
provides that appeals to them."

She continued, "Factors such as competitions, new consoles,
multiplayer modes, and contact with other players via the
Internet could improve participation. Additionally, the
feasibility of exergaming in community centers or at school
should be tested."